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If you LOVE books...I interview new & established authors to find out the
author's story (SO fun to get to know them) & the story behind their book.
Get To Know Christine Miskonoodinkwe SmithChristine Miskonoodinkwe Smith is the editor of Silence to Strength: Writings and Reflections on the Sixties Scoop which was published by Kegedonce Press and today we're going to get to know her. Christine Miskonoodinkwe Smith is a Saulteaux woman from Peguis First Nation. She is an editor, writer and journalist who graduated from the University of Toronto with a specialization in Aboriginal Studies in June 2011 and went on to receive her Master’s in Education in Social Justice in June 2017. Her first non-fiction story “Choosing the Path to Healing” appeared in the 2006 anthology Growing Up Girl: An Anthology of Voices from Marginalized Spaces. She has written for the Native Canadian, Anishinabek News, Windspeaker, FNH Magazine, New Tribe Magazine, Muskrat Magazine and the Piker Press. She has also co-edited the anthology Bawaajigan with fellow Indigenous writer Nathan Niigan Noodin Adler. The Story Behind Silence to StrengthFrom the 1960s through the 1980s the Canadian Children’s Aid Society engaged in a large-scale program of taking First Nations children from their families and communities and adopting them out to non-Indigenous families. This systemic abduction of untold thousands of children came to be known as the Sixties Scoop. Stories of the intergenerational disruption from loss of family and culture are shared in this collection, as are stories of strength and survivance. In Silence to Strength: Writings and Reflections on the 60s Scoop, editor Christine Miskonoodinkwe Smith gathers together contributions from seventeen Sixties Scoop survivors from across the territories of Canada. These courageous writings show there is strength in telling story, and power in ending the silences of the past. The contributors to Silence to Strength are: Anna Croxen, Vonda Knipfel, Shaun LaDue, Alice McKay, Denise Mcleod, Christine Miskonoodinkwe Smith, David Mortimer, Arlene Noskye, Karen Orser, Doreen Parenteau, Shane Pement, Tyler Pennock, Cathy Phannenhour, Elizabeth Redsky, Terry Swan, Melissa Thomas (Sigvaldason), and Lisa Wilder. Watch Christine discuss this incredible book that EVERY Canadian should read. I was very moved by these courageous survivor stories.  The stunning cover is by George Littlechild.
Miigwetch Christine. It was an honour to speak with you. Miigwetch, thank you for watching.
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Let's Get To Know Ernie LouttitErnie Louttit is a retired soldier and police officer, and has written three books, Indian Ernie: Perspectives on Leadership and Policing, More Indian Ernie, Insights from the Streets, and The Unexpected Cop: Indian Ernie on a Life of Leadership. Winner of the Saskatchewan Book Award in 2014 and the Reveal Indigenous Arts Award in 2017. He's also a speaker and changemaker who lives in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Pine Bugs and .303s is his debut novel. The Story Behind Pine Bugs and .303sThe interview continues with Ernie discussing his recovery from post traumatic stress syndrome, how his Grandfather, a train ride, the strong women close to his heart, his career as a soldier and a police officer (35 years) influenced his novel. After World War II has ended, two soldiers united by conflict return to their small northern Ontario town to try and restart their lives. But for Elmer Wabason, a Cree man, and Gilbert Bertrand, a white man, this won’t be so easy. Maintaining their friendships and families forces a familiar challenge but also brings new obstacles they never anticipated. A fast-paced story about deep bonds and deeper desperation, Elmer, Gilbert, and their families will have to endure disaster, deceit, racism, crime, and corruption to overcome the odds and secure the future of their town. The search for justice might be enduring but Pine Bugs and .303s demonstrates the possibilities when people unite and fight for justice. I LOVED this book. I couldn't put it down. I think it would be an excellent series on Netflix! And....to find out about the pine bugs you have to read his novel! Miigwetch Ernie! Miigwetch, thank you for watching.  Get To Know Gail Kirkpatrick So lovely to get to know Gail Kirkpatrick, the author of Sleepers and Ties, which was published by NON (Now Or Never Publishing). Gail Kirkpatrick lives and writes in beautiful Victoria, BC. She has worked as a freelance writer, government policy analyst and adjudicator, and as a researcher profiling innovators and scientists. Gail is a woman on the move, she surfs, cold water plunges, hikes. Watch her tell us all about it! The Story Behind Sleepers and TiesSome wills ask the executor to make sure a favourite niece gets a particular necklace or that a pet be sent to live with a friend. Margaret’s sister has asked her to rebuild an abandoned railway line. Can you imagine? Gail did. She discusses what inspired her debut novel Sleepers and Ties and how her book came together.  Susan Swan Provides A Behind the Scenes Peak at this Inaugural Literary AwardWelcome! Today's AACB guest is award-winning Toronto author and co-founder of the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction, Susan Swan. And Susan is on a mission to uplift women and non-binary writer’s voices. Let's find out more, but before we do Susan shares some lovely memories about the beloved award-winning American-Canadian writer Carol Shields. Watch the Full InterviewTo find our more about this THRILLING new literary award that celebrates Canadian and U.S. women and non-binary writers creativity and excellence in fiction, and to check out all the fabulous authors and of course the winner Fatimah Asghar for When We Were Sisters A HUGE congrats to Fatimah, all the finalists, to Susan and all the women who made this prestigious award happen. Yay!
For more author interviews Logan's Back!I had the privilege of interviewing Canadian author Logan Macnair back in September 2020. Logan was one of my very first guests--6th to be exact and we discussed his debut novel Panegyric. Now Logan is back to discuss his second novel Troll. Troll explores the nature of connection, alienation, and the occasional ugliness of the modern digital age. When aspiring actor Peter Riley is given the assignment in his drama class to perform in a YouTube-style video, he creates the character of ‘Petrol Riley,’ a satire of a politically extreme right-wing conspiracy theorist. Peter is soon surprised to learn that the video he has uploaded has gone unexpectedly viral, with thousands of viewers misinterpreting his satirical performance as genuine. Seeing this as his path toward fame, Peter commits to portraying the hatemongering character of Petrol full-time, building a devout and rabid fanbase of online supporters that only grow more loyal and extreme the more hateful Petrol’s rhetoric becomes. As his reach grows, Peter must reconcile with his notoriety and decide whether this newfound fame is worth the influence he is having on his legions of impressionable online admirers. Striking and timely, Troll offers a meditation and authentic critique on the unique conditions and occasional ugliness of modern online communication. Logan Macnair (PhD)is a college professor and novelist based out of Burnaby, BC. and his academic research is primarily focused on the online narrative, recruitment, and propaganda campaigns of various political extremist movements.  I couldn't put Troll down. I feel like Logan introduced me to a world I know very little about but should know about. My heart goes out to all those online and off who feel disconnected.
A HUGE thank you to Logan. Thanks SO much for watching. For more fabulous author interviews, you can find all about canadian books on YouTube. And don't forget to subscribe (PLEASE). Click on that great big button below and it'll take you there. Let's Celebrate Canadian PoetsApril is National Poetry Month and to celebrate all about canadian books is having its VERY first poetry reading. Yay! I'm thrilled to have three talented poets as guests: Jake Bryne is a writer based in Tka:ronto/Toronto. Their poem "Parallel Volumes" won CV2's Foster Prize for Poetry in 2019. Their debut book of poems, Celebrate Pride with Lockheed Martin, published by Wolsak & Wynn, is available now wherever books of Canadian poetry are sold. Their second book, DADDY, is forthcoming with Brick Books in 2024. Hollay Ghadery is a multi-genre writer living in rural Ontario on Anishinaabe land. Fuse, her memoir of mixed-race identity and mental illness, was published by Guernica Editions’ MiroLand imprint in 2021. Her debut collection of poetry, Rebellion Box, is due out with Radiant Press in April 2023. Hollay's short-fiction collection, Widow Fantasies, is scheduled for release with Gordon Hill Press in 2024. Melannie Monoceros is currently based in Treaty 1 Territory (Winnipeg, MB), m. patchwork monoceros is a poet and interdisciplinary artist exploring polysensory creation and somatic grief. Engaging poetry, memoir, textiles, and film, their work considers a collective qrip (queer+crip) consciousness by connecting to marvelous bodies living with complexity as sick or disabled. I am situated on the traditional land of the Anishnaabeg people. Jake Bryne read "The Sun Has Never Looked So Large," from Celebrate Pride with Lockheed Martin. You left me speechless, Jake! Hollay Ghadery read "Postcard, Santa Maria," from Rebellion Box. Oh my heart, I can so relate to this. You're gorgeous, Hollay! Melannie Monoceros read, "Routine" from Remedies for Chiron. OMG!!!!!! I was SO emotional. Melannie touched me deeply. Thanks SO much for watching. A HUGE thank you to Jake Bryne, Hollay Ghadery and Melannie Monoceros.
For more fabulous author interviews, you can find all about canadian books on YouTube. And don't forget to subscribe (PLEASE). Click on that great big button below and it'll take you there. Let's Get To Know Author Jess KotzerIt's a VERY special all about canadian books episode because it's all about Barrie. Barrie is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg people. As a Barrie girl, I was thrilled to host an all about canadian books virtual event specially for Editors Barrie, featuring local author and collaboration specialist Jess Kotzer. In this episode, not only will you get to know Jess, I'll also share how this program began (hint pandemic project). Jess Kotzer is a writer whose experience with Lyme disease inspired her to publish It's Not Just Lyme (under the pen name Yessi Young). Her journey has taught her the importance of collaboration as a means for sustainable and enjoyable audience growth, and she's become an advocate for working with professionals like editors to create books that truly resonate with readers. The Story Behind The BookJess discusses her journey with Lyme disease, how It's Not Just Lyme: Understanding the Metabolism's Role in Fighting Chronic Infections came together, what she did to sell 5,000 copies and the POWER of collaborating with other authors.  Thanks SO much for watching. A HUGE thank you to Jess. And a HUGE thank you to Editors Barrie. And a special thanks to JJ Wilson who was my editor for both Beauty Beneath the Banyan and Tears from the Sea.
Working with an editor is more than fixing your grammar. It also gives you the confidence to submit your work to publishers knowing that your manuscript is polished. Publishing is a VERY competitive industry working with an editor before you begin the query process isn't a bonus it's a MUST if you want to be published. Stay tuned for new episodes, they're posted on Tuesday's and Thursday's, the 2nd and 4th week of every month. For more fabulous author interviews, you can find all about canadian books on YouTube. And don't forget to subscribe (PLEASE). Click on that great big button below and it'll take you there. Let's Get to Know Elaine KennedyHi! Today all about canadian books we’re going to get know Elaine Kennedy the translator for Under a Kabul Sky: Short Fiction by Afghan Women. A native of Toronto now living in Victoria, Elaine Kennedy studied English literature, French language and civilization, as well as translation in North America and Europe. She has worked as a translator and editor in numerous fields. Today, she focuses on literary translation. The Story Behind Under a Kabul SkyElaine discusses how she became involved in this unique project, her translation process for Under a Kabul Sky and how very special this project is as it brings the voices of women writers who are not often heard to readers. These twelve short stories dive deep into imaginary worlds where everyday life is marked and marred by war. They speak of wounded love, captured women, confinement, talismans, borders, wolves. They give expression to the voices of Afghan women who would like to change the fate of people like Nâzboo, Khorshid, Hamid and so many others. Originally published by Éditions Le Soupirail in 2019, this collection was the first volume of short stories by Afghan women to appear in France. This edition from Inanna Publications brings these stories—and their unique perspectives—to English-speaking readers for the first time. The collection includes stories by Wasima Badghisi, Batool Haidari, Alia Ataee, Sedighe Kazemi, Khaleda Khorsand, Masouma Kawsari, Mariam Mahboob, Toorpekai Qayum, Manizha Bakhtari, Homeira Qaderi, Parween Pazhwak and Homayra Rafat. Under a Kabul Sky was a Finalist, 2022 International Book Awards– Multicultural Fiction.  For more fabulous author interviews, you can find all about canadian books on YouTube. And don't forget to subscribe (PLEASE). Click on that great big button below and it'll take you there.
Let's Get To Know...On today's episode of all about canadian books let's get to know Canadian author Dr. Anita Jack-Davies and learn the story behind her memoir Lawrencia’s Last Parang: A Memoir of Loss and Belonging as a Black Woman in Canada Dr. Anita was born in Toronto, Ontario, and spent her formative years on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean, but returned to Canada at eleven years old. In 1998, she became a teacher and spent five years as an educator with the Toronto District School Board before returning to graduate school to earn a Ph.D. in Education. She is currently Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography and Urban Planning at Queen’s University and is Director, Strategic Partnerships & Development at Ryerson University. She has taught courses in the areas of black feminisms, feminist pedagogies and race and racism. The Story Behind Lawrencia's Last ParangLawrencia’s Last Parang: A Memoir of Loss and Belonging as a Black Woman in Canada is a snapshot of Dr. Anita’s life after the grandmother who raised her passed away. Her book is a memoir, a eulogy, and an academic analysis, the book offers an insightful exploration of race in Canada. After listening to Dr. Anita speak about what it's like to be black and living in Canada I was speechless. It is having difficult conversations such as this and learning from them that we can aspire to make the world a better place for all. I am so very grateful for my time with this brave and inspiring woman. Lawrencia's Last Parang will be published by Inanna Publications on June 20, 2023!  Thanks SO much for watching. A HUGE thank you to Anita .
Stay tuned for new episodes, they're posted on Tuesday's and Thursday's, the 2nd and 4th week of every month. For more fabulous author interviews, you can find all about canadian books on YouTube. And don't forget to subscribe (PLEASE). Click on that great big button below and it'll take you there. Let's Get To Know...Let's get to know the fabulous Canadian women behind the fiction novel A Knife in the Skye. To honour and to celebrate Black History Month it was such an honour to speak with the lovely and inspiring prize-winning Haitian-Québécoise author, Marie-Célie Agnant and translator Katia Grubisic, who is also an award-winning writer and editor. Marie-Célie Agnant BackgroundMarie-Célie Agnant is a poet, short story writer, young adult fiction writer, storyteller, and novelist, Marie-Célie Agnant was born in Haiti and has lived in Québec since 1970. Many of her books evoke the hardships endured by women in the West Indies and the difficulty of legitimizing this part of history even today. Her work has been published in Québec, France, and Haiti, and translated into several languages. Her novel Le dot de Sara (Remue-Ménage, 1995) was a finalist for the Desjardins prize, her collection of short stories Le silence comme le sang (Remue-Ménage, 1997) was a finalist for the Governor General’s prize for fiction, and she has won the Prix Gros Sel for her children’s book La légende du poisson amoureux (Mémoire d’encrier, 2003), the prose creation prize awarded by the SODEP for “Sofialorène, si loin de la délivrance,” and the prestigious Prix Alain-Grandbois for her third collection of poems Femmes des terres brûlées (Éditions de la Pleine Lune, 2016). Katia Grubisic Background Katia Grubisic's work has appeared in various Canadian and international publications including The Walrus, The Fiddlehead, The Globe and Mail, Grain, The Spoon River Poetry Review, and Prairie Fire. Her collection What if red ran out (Goose Lane Editions, 2008) was shortlisted for the A.M. Klein Prize for Poetry and won the 2009 Gerald Lampert award for best first book. Her book translations include Louis Patrick Leroux’s play False Starts: A Subterfuge of Excellent Wit (with Alexandre St-Laurent; Talonbooks, 2016), Martine Delvaux’s White Out (LLP, 2018), Jeanne Painchaud’s ABCMTL (ruelle, 2019), Stéphane Martelly’s Little Girl Gazelle (ruelle, 2020), Ioana Georgescu’s Daughterof Here (LLP, 2020), and Marie-Claire Blais’s Songs for Angel (House of Anansi, 2021). Her translations of David Clerson’s first novel, Brothers (QC Fiction, 2016), and of Alina Dumitrescu’s A Cemetery for Bees (LLP, 2021) were shortlisted for the Governor General’s Award for translation.  The Story Behind A Knife in the SkyIn A Knife in the Sky, a journalist’s decision to talk and a student’s desire to know puts them in the crosshairs of a murderous dictatorship. As the novel opens, Mika is dangerously engaged in the pursuit of truth during Haiti’s first Duvalier regime. Nearly thirty years later, her granddaughter Junon witnesses the repressive dynasty’s unravelling. Brutal, terrifying, and hopeful, A Knife in the Sky is an homage to those who have survived tyranny. Originally published by Éditions du Remue-ménage in 2015 as Femmes au temps des carnassiers, this book, like most of the author’s oeuvre, is preoccupied with colonial imposition. Marie-Célie Agnant writes on the ruthlessness of a dictatorship, on humanity, and locates the strength and power of resistance in women. Don't miss Marie-Célie share how real life Haitian journalist Yvonne Hakim Rimpel was the inspiration behind this novel. Thanks SO much for watching. A BIG merci beaucoup to Marie-Célie Agnant and Katia Grubisic .
Stay tuned for new episodes, they're posted on Tuesday's and Thursday's, the 2nd and 4th week of every month. For more fabulous author interviews, you can find all about canadian books on YouTube. And don't forget to subscribe (PLEASE). Click on that great big button below and it'll take you there. |
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